Magnum FT-101a FM Tuner

From Magnum Dynalab website

As successor to one of the most sensitive, selective and sonically accurate FM tuners of our time, the FT-101A continues the tradition by further defining state-of-the-art in analog FM tuner design.

As did the FT-101, the FT-101A combines the very latest in discrete, analog technology. Its highly renowned MOSFET front end provides 3 stages of very careful and precise amplification. Here even the most fragile of signals is strengthened and further defined by using highly effective "group delay" filtering. The result is a sonically correct audio signal, one that contains all the inherent richness and brilliance of the source being broadcast.

In addition to the features offered by its predecessor, the FT-10A now offers even greater selectivity in order to deal with urban signal congestion. Another new feature is a user-selectable stereo blend control. This allows on/off selection of the FT-101's unique variable blend which is keyed to signal strength to maintain a quiet, stereo output under low signal conditions. In the "off" position, separation is maintained at maximum, regardless of signal input level.

While the FT-101A circuit mirrors that of the widely-acclaimed FT-101, it now incorporates all functions in a totally redesigned motherboard. This integration has provided the necessary design efficiencies to allow consistently higher levels of selectivity to be maintained. Along with added selectivity, the FT-101A has a redesigned power supply circuit that maintains the tuner circuitry at standby at all times when the tuner is connected to a live AC source.

Features & Functions

Dual, keyed automatic gain control (AGC)
Monitors and maintains program signal level and clarity, along with providing a dramatic reduction in interference from strong, local stations.

Wide/narrow IF bandwidth control
Switchable to effectively control annoying sideband interference.

Mute circuit
noise-activated with manual defeat switch.

Sequential blend circuit
Automatically adjusts separation so as to minimize multiplex noise under low signal conditions. A defeat switch is provided to allow full separation under all signal conditions.

Stereo/Mono Mode
User switchable.

Digital frequency display
Independent frequency counter derives input from tuner's local oscillator section and displays in soft, green 0.5" LED numerals.

Large, easy-to-read panel meters provide continuous monitoring of rf input level, multipath interference level and center-tune condition.

Frequency tuning is via a precision potentiometer which provides a precise, filtered voltage for the tuning varactors. Visual output is via the digital frequency display. The actual tuning mechanism consists of an ultra smooth, large, front panel control knob.

Function switching is provided through tactile, toggle switches with oversize replaceable paddles.

WHY ANALOG?

In contrast with the frequency synthesis method of tuning, analog is not dependent on a digital microprocessor chip to establish the tuner's receive frequency. With analog, tuning is accomplished using specially-selected, discrete components in the tuner's critical "front end." In the Dynalab design, these components are selected and matched so that a unique balance of sensitivity, selectivity and sound can be maintained.

However, the most significant advantage in analog is that is delivers control into the hands of the user. With the FT-101A, infinite tuning is available in order to establish maximum stereo separation or to detune slightly in order to minimize on-frequency noise. With frequency synthesis tuners, this capability is offered usually in fixed, 50KHz steps. While FM stations themselves are rarely found to be transmitting outside the +-2KHz standard, FM station signals that are rebroadcast over cable may not be quite so precise.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

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Although Magnum Dynalab no longer produces the FT-101/A, you can upgrade your unit with an Audio upgrade, or convert your unit to MD-90, MD-100, MD-102, MD-90 Triode, MD-100 Triode, or MD-102 Triode. Click here for upgrade